DOE Opens Funding Opportunity to Increase Algae Yields

The U.S. DOE has opened up a new funding opportunity aimed at increasing algae yields. According to the DOE, the goal of the funding opportunity is to demonstrate, on the scale of 1 acre, a yield of 2,500 gallons of biofuel feedstock—or equivalent dry weight basis—per acre per year, by 2018.

Over a relatively long-term 60 month time period, selected projects will work to integrate research and development on comprehensive mid-scale processes that comprise everything from algae strain development, to the production of biofuel intermediates. The three main priority areas described by the DOE include improving the productivity of algae biomass, improving preprocessing technologies, and making technical advances to enable integration of different algae production operations.

The funding opportunity document published by the DOE specifies that cooperative agreements are expected to be awarded under the program, and that $10-$20 million is expected to be available in 2013, with an additional $10-$20 expected to be available for continuation awards made in later years.

Individual awards can be made in the range of $1-$5 million. Projects selected for a continuation award would be eligible for up to $10 million in total funding. According to the DOE, it expects to make 2-7 awards under the funding opportunity.

To apply for the funding, a concept paper must be submitted by Feb. 11, with full applications due April. 1.